Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely fit for Liverpool clash as Theo Walcott makes return

Arsenal are confident that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit to start against Liverpool on Sunday after the midfielder limped out against Newcastle with a groin injury, according to the Guardian.

Theo Walcott is also expected to make his much anticipated return against Liverpool, adding some serious pace and threat to the Arsenal frontline, which is slowly but surely returning to the groove.

The 21-year-old has been one of the standout players for the Gunners this season, taking Galatasaray apart with his runs from deep and was also an influential figure in their 4-1 decimation of the Magpies last weekend.

The midfielder felt a pain in his groin for which he was immediately substituted but question marks remained over his availability for their crucial game against the Reds.

Walcott, who had scans on Monday, has been granted three days off to celebrate Christmas ahead of a busy schedule and will be assessed on Wednesday when the team returns for training.

Arsene Wenger said in an interview after the game that he is concerned by Arsenal's injury problems, with almost nine senior players out from the squad including their midfield quartet of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil. Any further injuries will be a massive blow to their chances to challenge for the top four, something which has become a formality during Wenger's reign.

"He got a knock. He's got a pain in his groin. I took him off quickly. I wanted to take him off, and then he takes the ball and crosses the whole pitch and [after that piece of action] he cannot run anymore," Wenger said.

"We cannot afford to lose him at the moment. I hope it's nothing bad. He had a little bit of inflammation before the game. I took him to Galatasaray and maybe two games [in five days] was a lot for him," the Frenchman added.

Meanwhile, Walcott, who was out for almost a year with a cruciate ligament injury is expected to return after picking up a groin injury while on international duty with England. The Gunners missed his pace last season and Walcott will be looking to slot in fast amid competition from Alexis Sanchez, Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck for this spot.